Bariatric Surgery

Types of Bariatric Surgery

Am I a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

You may be a candidate if:

• your BMI is greater than 40
• your BMI is greater than 35 and you have an obesity-related health problem
• you have attempted and failed multiple diet and exercise regimens
• you are over the age of 18

Preparing for Bariatric Surgery

• Up to 6 months of supervised weight loss attempts
  • Monthly visits with a primary care provider (PCP) or dietitian specifically dedicated
    to weight loss
  • Varies by insurance carrier
• Medical clearance from your PCP
• Clearance from medical specialists (heart, lung, or diabetes doctors)
• Psychological evaluation
• Upper endoscopy
• Sleep study
• Lab work
• Attendance at support group or bariatric exercise program

After Surgery

• Most patients spend 1-2 nights in the hospital after surgery
• On the night of surgery, you will be able to drink and walk around
• Most patients return to work in 2-4 weeks.
• The only restrictions following surgery will be on your diet (slow progression from liquids to solid food over 4-6 weeks) and heavy lifting. No lifting over 10 lbs.
• Long-term follow-up with bariatric team (surgeon, psychology, dietitian, and yearly lab-work) every 3 months for the first year and yearly thereafter (A table in the webinar details follow-up visits)

Robotic-Assisted Bariatric Surgery

With the addition of the da Vinci Xi surgical robot, Avita provides minimally-invasive surgical options for bariatric “weight-loss” patients. Fellowship trained surgeon, Thomas Smith, DO, specializes in robotic bariatric surgery and performs all of his procedures using advanced robotic technology, including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, duodenal switch, and revision operations. Dr. Smith completed his first robotic procedure in 2013 and has helped train other surgeons in robotic procedures since 2017.

Robotic-assisted surgery is often less invasive, more effective, and easier on patients. It allows the surgeon to perform complex surgeries through tiny openings which can help minimize scarring. According to Dr. Smith, it may result in “less post-operative pain and a quicker return to work for patients.”

Data has shown that surgeries done with the da Vinci Xi have favorable results when compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery*. These include:

• Fewer complications and serious adverse events
• Less bleeding
• Fewer hospital readmissions
• Shorter hospital stays

The surgical robot gives Dr. Smith greater control by acting as an extension of his eyes and hands. The arms of the robot end in tiny EndoWrists®, which allow Dr. Smith to make smaller cuts and work at different angles than offered by standard laparoscopic tools. This additional range of motion and precision can make certain tasks, such as suturing, much easier and more manageable. The wrists provide such precise movement that they can peel a grape! Watch the video below to see this in action.

To learn more about robotic-assisted bariatric surgery, request an appointment with Dr. Smith.

*El Chaar, Maher, Keith King, Jean F. Salem, AbdulAziz Arishi, Alvaro Galvez, and Jill Stoltzfus. “Robotic Surgery Results in Better Outcomes Following Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass: Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program Analysis for the Years 2015–2018.” Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, December 6, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2020.12.005.

Initial Nutrition Evaluation

Welcome to the Bariatric nutrition program! Our nutrition classes consist of six appointments with a dietitian:

• an initial appointment,
• four classes,
• and a final clearance before surgery.

Prior to your initial nutrition appointment, please fill out and submit the form below. This information will be automatically sent to the nutrition team. We will use the form during the initial nutrition appointment to get a better understanding of who you are and how we can best help you meet the nutrition goals prior to surgery.

Patient Stories

Erica’s Weight-Loss Journey

Family trips to Cedar Point were supposed to be fun. For Erica, they had become a reminder that her health was holding her back. As her daughter got older and more active, Erica found it increasingly difficult to keep up. Walking through the park left her out of breath, and she often felt like she was missing out on experiences she wanted to share with her family. “I couldn’t keep up and I was out of breath,” Erica recalled.

The realization that she couldn’t fully enjoy activities with her daughter became one of the biggest reasons she started considering bariatric surgery. Along with concerns about prediabetes and high blood pressure, Erica knew she needed to make a change. “I’ve got to do something,” she said.

Taking the First Step

Like many patients considering bariatric surgery, Erica had some hesitation at the beginning of the process. But after connecting with Dr. Justin Eagleston and the bariatric care team, she felt confident she was making the right decision. Strong support from both her family and care team helped her move forward and stay committed throughout her journey.

Erica began her weight-loss journey in May 2024. Throughout the process, she says the accountability and encouragement she received played a significant role in helping her stay on track.

Life After Surgery

Today, Erica says the improvements go far beyond a number on the scale. Her sleep has improved. Her blood sugar levels have returned to a normal range. Her blood pressure has improved. Most importantly, she’s able to spend time with her family without the physical limitations she once faced.

Now, Erica and her daughter spend weekends at Cedar Point together, and Erica is able to enjoy the park in ways she couldn’t before. She rides the rides, stays active throughout the day, and no longer worries about constantly running out of energy or becoming short of breath.

“My sleep is sound now and my A1C is back to normal,” Erica said. She also notices a difference in her daily activities. “I can keep going now and I’m not short of breath anymore.” she said.

A New Outlook

When asked how the experience has impacted her life, Erica didn’t hesitate. “It’s nothing short of amazing… Dr. Eagleston gave me my life back,” she said.

For Erica, bariatric surgery wasn’t just about losing weight. It was about improving her health, gaining energy, and being able to fully participate in the moments that matter most.

---

Chris’s Weight-Loss Journey

A Health Scare Becomes a Turning Point

For years, Chris struggled with his weight and the health challenges that came with it. High blood pressure, severe sleep apnea, low energy, and multiple medications had become part of everyday life. Then, what started as a sinus infection led to an emergency room visit and served as a wake-up call.

Chris realized he needed to make a change.

After exploring his options, he connected with the Avita Bariatric Surgery team. What followed was more than a surgery. It was a journey that involved education, accountability, support, and a commitment to improving his health for the long term.

Building a Foundation for Success

Before surgery, Chris worked through a comprehensive preparation process that included consultations, nutrition education, and behavioral health support. He learned how to read food labels, better understand the effects of sugar on the body, and develop healthier eating habits.

Food journaling became an important tool, helping him track his progress and stay accountable. Throughout the process, he also relied on support from family, coworkers, and members of the Avita team who encouraged him every step of the way.

That coordinated approach helped Chris build the skills and confidence needed not only for surgery, but for a lifetime of healthier choices.

More Than Weight Loss

Since beginning his journey in July 2024, Chris has lost more than 220 pounds.

The results have been life changing.

He is no longer taking the medications he once relied on, and his sleep apnea has improved dramatically, dropping from approximately 80 events per hour to just nine.

Everyday activities that once felt difficult are now part of his normal routine.

Today, Chris can sit comfortably cross-legged, perform proper pushups, bend over to tie his shoes, and stay active throughout the day without constantly running out of energy.

“I can do more,” Chris said. “I have more energy and can move faster.”

For Chris, the biggest victories don’t always show up on a scale. They show up in the ability to live life without the limitations he once accepted as normal.

A New Lifestyle

Weight loss also brought changes Chris never expected.

His clothing size transformed dramatically. His chef coat size dropped from 5XL to XL. His pant size went from 54 to 33, and his shirt size decreased from 3XL to XL.

One surprising benefit?

“Buying new clothes is fun,” Chris said.

But beyond the clothing sizes, Chris says he’s gained something far more important: confidence.

“It gave me a whole new lifestyle.”

Advice for Others

When asked what he would tell someone considering bariatric surgery, Chris keeps his advice simple. “Follow what the doctor tells you to do.” He also encourages others to be patient with the process.

“Don’t give up. Sometimes plateaus happen. Don’t get discouraged.”

Looking Back

Reflecting on his journey, Chris said bariatric surgery was “the best choice I ever made.”

His story is a reminder that successful weight loss often involves much more than a procedure. Education, nutrition support, behavioral health resources, accountability, and a dedicated care team can all play an important role in helping patients achieve lasting results.

As Avita continues to expand its weight-loss services, patients will have even greater access to coordinated care designed to support them throughout their journey, from their first consultation to long-term success.